Pentax *ist D

About ready to make the jump to the Pentax *ist D but would like to get a
couple of real world comments from those that own one already or have used
it. I've read plenty of reviews - all favorable and the pro's and con's
about the sharpness and the CF card. Since I already have 3 other Pentax
camera's and a few lenses in my collection (which can be used on the *ist),
it makes economical sense to go with this camera.

But... any real-world gotcha's (reliability, parts falling off, etc.) that
only show up after having used it for awhile - any regrets?

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In article <ylUSc.139870$>,
"BobS" <> wrote:
> About ready to make the jump to the Pentax *ist D but would like to get a
> couple of real world comments from those that own one already or have used
> it. I've read plenty of reviews - all favorable and the pro's and con's
> about the sharpness and the CF card. Since I already have 3 other Pentax
> camera's and a few lenses in my collection (which can be used on the *ist),
> it makes economical sense to go with this camera.
>
> But... any real-world gotcha's (reliability, parts falling off, etc.) that
> only show up after having used it for awhile - any regrets?
>
> Just a novice photographer with high expectations !
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bob S.
>
>

bought mine from B and H a few weeks ago came with firmware 1.00,
upgraded to 1.11 from Pentax. I thought the sensor was slightly titlted,
it seemed that all images were tilted, but careful testing revealed the
sensor is OK, it was just a false alarm. i recommend shooting a surface
such as bathroom floor with small tiles, and make sure you point the
camera perpendicullar and have a symmetric tile pattarn in the
vewifinder. the image was the OK, no tilt.

I did not manage to print anything yet, and I also don't have a good
prime (I use a 28-70 f/4 zoom), but so far i was happy. will get a
better idea of the real performance of this camera once I get a good
prime and print a few images.

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BobS notes:
>About ready to make the jump to the Pentax *ist D but would like to get a
>couple of real world comments from those that own one already or have used
>it. I've read plenty of reviews - all favorable and the pro's and con's
>about the sharpness and the CF card. Since I already have 3 other Pentax
>camera's and a few lenses in my collection (which can be used on the *ist),
>it makes economical sense to go with this camera.
>
>But... any real-world gotcha's (reliability, parts falling off, etc.) that
>only show up after having used it for awhile - any regrets?
>
>Just a novice photographer with high expectations !
>

It's a delight. Forget the sharpness issues. Those are because very little
sharpening is done in-camera (I keep it on the sharpest setting, do light
sharpening when needed: it's fine, excellent shots). Sturdy feeling, I could
actually wish it were a bit larger for my right hand. I got the kit lens, the
16-45, which seems to be excellent. Bought a 100mm Vivitar macro, which is
pretty good, not nearly great. I'll be aiming for the 28-135mm Sigma macro
next, I think.

I've shot about 700 pix with mine. Takes a bit to get used to the framing after
using a Minolta Dimage 7i with EVF for a couple years.

I use it on manual most of the time, often with studio flash. It is easy to
manipulate, set up, change, and most controls are easily accessible without
going to the menu--the Minolta required either a wild combination of buttons
and wheels or a trip to the menu.

Two things, one a characteristic of autofocus lenses: I do not like small focus
rings on lenses; the jog dial is too small. I've learned to rock my thumb to
operate it, but it shouldn't require learning beyond other jog dials.

Oh, yeah. The CF card goes in upside down, so is not as easy to get out as
some. I rake mine out with my thumbnail after punching the release button.

Charlie Self
"Inanimate objects are classified scientifically into three major categories -
those that don't work, those that break down and those that get lost." Russell
Baker

"BobS" <> wrote:
>About ready to make the jump to the Pentax *ist D but would like to get a
>couple of real world comments from those that own one already or have used
>it. I've read plenty of reviews - all favorable and the pro's and con's
>about the sharpness and the CF card. Since I already have 3 other Pentax
>camera's and a few lenses in my collection (which can be used on the *ist),
>it makes economical sense to go with this camera.
>
>But... any real-world gotcha's (reliability, parts falling off, etc.) that
>only show up after having used it for awhile - any regrets?
>
>Just a novice photographer with high expectations !
>
>Thanks,
>
>Bob S.
>

Bob

Got my *istD in April after much agonising, and I'm completely
satisfied with my choice. It does everything I want it to, and more.
I've had terrrific fun going through my collection of sixteen old
lenses, and it works with 'em all (with the 1.11 update). I think it's
the only digital SLR that has full backward compatibility with ALL
it's old family of lenses (including M42). Top marks to Pentax for
that!

I've just notched up 1400 shots, and if we'd had a better summer here
in the UK it would have been double that.

Like someone else has already said, forget about the sharpness issue -
it's fully up to the best lenses you can buy. The CF card thing is
just a quibble and just shows how desparate some reviewers are to find
something to criticise. I 've not found it to be a problem.

Having said all that, the new Cheapo version is due out soon
(September?) so if cost is an issue then you might find it worth
waiting for that. However, I'm wondering if that will still have full
backwards lens compatibility, or if it will retain the *istD's bright
pentaprism viewfinder.

BobS <> wrote:
> About ready to make the jump to the Pentax *ist D but would like to get a
> couple of real world comments from those that own one already or have used
> it. I've read plenty of reviews - all favorable and the pro's and con's
> about the sharpness and the CF card.

The card slot is a little annoying, but not more than that. The
sharpness is only an issue if you shoot JPEG or TIFF, because the camera
does the processing in that case. A little extra sharpening in Photoshop
is the remedy.

If you shoot RAW, which gives you much more control, the computer does
the processing and the sharpening. In other words; if you use Adobe
CameraRAW to open the RAW files, the sharpness should be no different
than it is for other digital cameras. I've blown up Pentax *istD images
to 60 x 80 cm on my Epson 7600, and the results are impressive.

"BobS" <> wrote:
>About ready to make the jump to the Pentax *ist D but would like to get a
>couple of real world comments from those that own one already or have used
>it.

I've been using one for about 6 months now. Very, very pleased with it.
Solid construction and excellent image quality. I just did a job for
SuperbikePlanet.com with it - images online athttp://www.robertstech.com/mid02004.htm
If you have any specific questions email me or ask the Pentax mailing
list (www.pdml.net), where there are lots of ist-D users.

Guest

: Having said all that, the new Cheapo version is due out soon
: (September?) so if cost is an issue then you might find it worth
: waiting for that. However, I'm wondering if that will still have full
: backwards lens compatibility, or if it will retain the *istD's bright
: pentaprism viewfinder.

: Cheers
: TonyH

Anybody heard anything more about the Cheapo version? I heard the
announcement of an announcement a few months ago, but haven't heard any speculation
since then. I would hope that they use the same or better sensor, retain the
AA-compatible batteries, and just dummy-down the software a bit. I've used P&S
digicams enough to realize that for the most part I'm planning on using it as a
"digital light-proof box" to hold lenses. Most of the "features" on the digital
cameras are gear towards JPEG shooters. Shoot in RAW, focus/compose correctly, use
spot-metering, and exposure hold, and make sure the histogram doesn't blow out.
Anything else you can fix in post-processing.

"Johan W. Elzenga" <> wrote in message
news:1giglgo.m2oq4k1mzmq2lN%...
> BobS <> wrote:
>
> > About ready to make the jump to the Pentax *ist D but would like to get
a
> > couple of real world comments from those that own one already or have
used
> > it. I've read plenty of reviews - all favorable and the pro's and con's
> > about the sharpness and the CF card.
>
> The card slot is a little annoying, but not more than that. The
> sharpness is only an issue if you shoot JPEG or TIFF, because the camera
> does the processing in that case. A little extra sharpening in Photoshop
> is the remedy.
>
> If you shoot RAW, which gives you much more control, the computer does
> the processing and the sharpening. In other words; if you use Adobe
> CameraRAW to open the RAW files, the sharpness should be no different
> than it is for other digital cameras. I've blown up Pentax *istD images
> to 60 x 80 cm on my Epson 7600, and the results are impressive.
>
Pentax offers their own RAW plugin as well as these other downloads;

<> wrote in message
news:cfibpq$svv$...
> : Having said all that, the new Cheapo version is due out soon
> : (September?) so if cost is an issue then you might find it worth
> : waiting for that. However, I'm wondering if that will still have full
> : backwards lens compatibility, or if it will retain the *istD's bright
> : pentaprism viewfinder.
>
> : Cheers
> : TonyH
>
> Anybody heard anything more about the Cheapo version? I heard the
> announcement of an announcement a few months ago, but haven't heard any
speculation
> since then. I would hope that they use the same or better sensor, retain
the
> AA-compatible batteries, and just dummy-down the software a bit. I've
used P&S
> digicams enough to realize that for the most part I'm planning on using it
as a
> "digital light-proof box" to hold lenses. Most of the "features" on the
digital
> cameras are gear towards JPEG shooters. Shoot in RAW, focus/compose
correctly, use
> spot-metering, and exposure hold, and make sure the histogram doesn't blow
out.
> Anything else you can fix in post-processing.
>
We'll know more in 6 weeks when it's unveiled at Photokina 2004http://www.photokina.de

Darrell Larose <> wrote:
> > The card slot is a little annoying, but not more than that. The
> > sharpness is only an issue if you shoot JPEG or TIFF, because the camera
> > does the processing in that case. A little extra sharpening in Photoshop
> > is the remedy.
> >
> > If you shoot RAW, which gives you much more control, the computer does
> > the processing and the sharpening. In other words; if you use Adobe
> > CameraRAW to open the RAW files, the sharpness should be no different
> > than it is for other digital cameras. I've blown up Pentax *istD images
> > to 60 x 80 cm on my Epson 7600, and the results are impressive.
> >
> Pentax offers their own RAW plugin as well as these other downloads;
>
> *istD Firmware Update Version 1.11
> *istD Photo Software update: Browser v1.11, Laboratory v1.10
> RAW Plugin Module for Photoshop
> Pentax Remote Assistant software

I know they do, but quite frankly the Pentax software (both the stand
alone software as well as the plugin) is crap compared to Adobe
CameraRAW and/or PhaseOne C1 (which I use).

Thanks to all that responded to my question. Looks like a no-brainer after
reading your comments and I'm headed for the local camera shop. Just happen
to have a neice getting married in a couple of weeks so along with a couple
of film cameras, it looks like the *new* ist will get a workout also.

Charlie, thanks for your succint critique - as usual - and also to the rest
of you for sharing your experiences and insight. To those that posted links
to their sites, I've added them to my short list. Some very impressive
work.

The link to the photokina was a nostaglia trip - thanks! I was there in '66
and what a show it was. That was the year the picture of the monk that set
himself on fire made all the news and as I recall, it was Minolta that blew
it up (~20'x50') and hung it from the ceiling of the show tent. It was taken
with their 8mm "spy" camera as I recall.

"Charlie Self" <> wrote in message
news:...
> tony notes:
>
> >owever, I'm wondering if that will still have full
> >backwards lens compatibility, or if it will retain the *istD's bright
> >pentaprism viewfinder.
> >
>
> Yes. I forgot to mention that viewfinder. It's as good as it gets. Lovely.
Even
> matte screen focusing is easy, and with my aged eyes, that's saying a lot.
>
> Charlie Self
> "Inanimate objects are classified scientifically into three major
categories -
> those that don't work, those that break down and those that get lost."
Russell
> Baker

"BobS" <> wrote in message
news:ylUSc.139870$...
> About ready to make the jump to the Pentax *ist D but would like to get a
> couple of real world comments from those that own one already or have used
> it. I've read plenty of reviews - all favorable and the pro's and con's
> about the sharpness and the CF card. Since I already have 3 other Pentax
> camera's and a few lenses in my collection (which can be used on the
*ist),
> it makes economical sense to go with this camera.
>
> But... any real-world gotcha's (reliability, parts falling off, etc.) that
> only show up after having used it for awhile - any regrets?
>
> Just a novice photographer with high expectations !
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bob S.
>
> *ist D is missing a P The silly name would put me off.
On a serious note make sure that the lenses you have are usable on the *ist
if not *ist is not a good idea.
Bear in mind that the focal lenth is multiplyed by 1.5 (actualy its
cropping the image but for a rule of thumb multiply by 1.5) and for the
money your getting I believe a 5 mp camera. why not go for the Nikon D70 for
less money you get a desent wide angle lense which also zooms to 150 mm ala
35 mm full frame camera. Or better still, before making up your mind, try
them all.
MikeS Nikon D70 user

>On a serious note make sure that the lenses you have are usable on the *ist
>if not *ist is not a good idea.

All old Pentax lenses work (and meter) with the *istD with the 1.11
firmware updfate, unlike Canon, Nikon and the rest where you pretty
much take pot luck if you have old lenses.
>Bear in mind that the focal lenth is multiplyed by 1.5 (actualy its
>cropping the image but for a rule of thumb multiply by 1.5) and for the
>money your getting I believe a 5 mp camera.

No. it's a 6 mp sensor, and the same one as fitted to the D70 and
D100.

MikeS writes:
>> *ist D is missing a P The silly name would put me off.
>On a serious note make sure that the lenses you have are usable on the *ist
>if not *ist is not a good idea.

Almost all Pentax lenses are usable, though some of the real early ones don't
work as well as the later ones. That includes those for the 6x7 and 645. Try
that from another maker.
>nd for the
>money your getting I believe a 5 mp camera. why not go for the Nikon D70 for
>less money you get a desent wide angle lense which also zooms to 150 mm ala
>35 mm full frame camera. Or better still, before making up your mind, try
>them all.

The latter thought is a good one, but IIRC, he said he had some Pentax lenses
on hand already. Pentax. Not Nikon. Not Canon.

Charlie Self
"Bore, n.: A person who talks when you wish him to listen." Ambrose Bierce, The
Devil's Dictionary

Correct - I have a small assortment of Pentax lenses with all kinds of
filters that are in excellent shape and I know what to expect from the macro
to the zoom.

Now finding one locally is turning out to be a real trick - not available.

Bob S.
>
> The latter thought is a good one, but IIRC, he said he had some Pentax
lenses
> on hand already. Pentax. Not Nikon. Not Canon.
>
> Charlie Self
> "Bore, n.: A person who talks when you wish him to listen." Ambrose
Bierce, The
> Devil's Dictionary

Guest

: Yes. I forgot to mention that viewfinder. It's as good as it gets. Lovely. Even
: matte screen focusing is easy, and with my aged eyes, that's saying a lot.

Although I do not yet own a Pentax DSLR, I will within a year or so. I do lament the
passing of the manual-focus aids (split circle line) in the older 35mm cameras. I suspect that
using manual focus lenses have less utility on these cameras without them. Am I correct?

papenfuss asks:
>Although I do not yet own a Pentax DSLR, I will within a year or so. I do
>lament the
>passing of the manual-focus aids (split circle line) in the older 35mm
>cameras. I suspect that
>using manual focus lenses have less utility on these cameras without them.
>Am I correct?

No. It truly surprised me. I've got a split screen on my Minolta SLR, had split
screens on my old Canon and Olympus gear, and like it, but the fine matte
screen on the Pentax *istD is actually much easier to use than I anticipated.
Part of that is the adjustable diopter that is easy to work, and part of it is
the cataract surgery I had some time ago, but it is still much easier to use
than expected. I like it, though for action work, I'd probably go back to the
AF, which is admirably quick and accurate.

Charlie Self
"Bore, n.: A person who talks when you wish him to listen." Ambrose Bierce, The
Devil's Dictionary

BobS notes:
>Correct - I have a small assortment of Pentax lenses with all kinds of
>filters that are in excellent shape and I know what to expect from the macro
>to the zoom.
>
>Now finding one locally is turning out to be a real trick - not available.
>
>

Bob,

I got mine from Dell, the package deal with the 16-45mm lens (fine lens, by the
way). I don't know if the rebate and discount are still available, but it
worked out to about what B&H or Adorama would have charged and was here
something like 3 days after I sent the order in...email.

Free shipping, etc.

They're still listing 10% off retail, plus the $200 mail-in rebate on the lens.
That's down to $1599.99 for the package. They don't have the camera without the
lens, AFAIK.

Or don't sell it that way.

I also found out they have a presence in VA, as it cost me $76 or so extra for
sales tax.

Charlie Self
"Bore, n.: A person who talks when you wish him to listen." Ambrose Bierce, The
Devil's Dictionary

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